CIS student helps underserved communities get access to clean drinking water

In an inspiring move, a 11-grade student from Canadian International School (CIS), Bangalore, Krrish, has launched 'HydrateHope', a clean water filter project to help the underserved communities.

The idea was conceived out of a profound realization that clean water, a basic necessity often taken for granted, remains an elusive luxury for many. Under the project, Krrish has introduced 20 filters across three communities - Sarjapur, a village next to Yelahanka, and underdeveloped houses in Ganganagar as part of a testing phase. The plan going forward is to install 150 filters across different areas by the end of 2024.

Krrish embarked on the mission by collaborating with regional businesses to learn the construction of water filters. What sets HydrateHope apart is the unwavering commitment to community empowerment. With each filter installation, Krrish not only addresses the immediate need for clean water but also empower residents, particularly those with limited financial means, by imparting essential skills to service the filters, fostering long-term economic independence.

The first phase is crucial as it allows an evaluation of other essential factors such as electricity and water pressure, which can be challenging in underdeveloped areas. So far, Krrish has received positive outcomes from this pilot and assuming this continues, the future plan is to ensure greater reach.

Commenting on the project, Canadian International School student Krrish said: "A simple conversation at home sparked a powerful realization that we are fortunate enough to have clean water at the turn of a tap, and we discovered the heartbreaking reality faced by many - a daily struggle for this life-sustaining resource. Witnessing the burden on families forced to walk long distances for water ignited a deep desire to help. While store-bought filters were out of reach, partnering with local technicians opened a path to affordable solutions."

"Thanks to the generous support of Round Table 27, we secured funding to purchase materials. As we learned to build filters, we were able to assemble them at a fraction of the cost of retail filters. Each filter became a gateway to clean water and improved health. But our vision extended beyond just filters. By empowering those with the lowest income to service these filters, we created a source of steady income, transforming a burden into an opportunity. This journey, from awareness to action, became the foundation of HydrateHope," added Krrish.

Applauding this initiative, Ms. Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore said: "HydrateHope is an example that change lies in the hands of the youth. Krrish has put in commendable time and effort for HydrateHope. This is a matter of pride for our school community, and we feel immensely proud that a young mind has come up with this noble initiative that will only flourish in the future."
With positive outcomes from the pilot phase, HydrateHope now intends to upscale its impact by collaborating with corporations that will further help in augmenting the supply of clean water. The goal is to not only expand this project but to sustain it as a lifelong endeavor, continually adapting and growing to meet the needs of those without reliable access to clean water.